La Chaux-de-Fonds, 1 August, 2020 – Girard-Perregaux is pleased to unveil the Quasar Azure, a new iteration of the original Quasar encased in azure blue sapphire crystal, recalling the Manufacture’s first Bridges timepieces created in 1867. This new model is a limited edition of eight pieces, conferring a notable degree of exclusivity.
The ability to showcase the art of precision engineering is among Girard-Perregaux’s greatest achievements. For example, the Three Gold Bridges employed on La Esmeralda, the world-famous pocket watch of 1889, were both functional and aesthetically alluring. The Quasar Azure honours this legacy by engineering transparency to the extreme. Named after a luminous astronomical entity – the Quasar – its azure blue case is sculpted from a single sapphire disc. This case, with its sapphire crystal box, provides striking aerial views of the Manufacture’s skeletonised movement, the Calibre GP09400-1035.
In the words of CEO Patrick Pruniaux, “When the tourbillon is bathed with light, the Quasar Azure shines like a star in the mysterious darkness of space. This model is testament to our mastery of Haute Horlogerie and is rooted in our design language, albeit in this instance, it is seen through a prism of cutting-edge technology. The Quasar Azure is a
brilliantly bold expression of the company’s technical mastery, contemporary design and rich heritage. Indeed, the Quasar Azure embodies the very essence of Girard Perregaux.”
Sapphire is extremely difficult to craft because of its hardness. The case is formed, coloured, milled and polished by Girard-Perregaux artisans through a protracted process, taking over 200 hours. Once completed, the case must be a uniform shade and free of any inclusions. Making the case of the Quasar Azure, including its lugs and crown, necessitates exceptional craftsmanship, a strength synonymous with Girard-Perregaux.
Set within the azure blue case, the tourbillion seemingly floats. Its cage is lyre-shaped, a historical design dating back to the 19th century. However, this contemporary creation indulges the wearer with aerial views of the Neo Bridges, a Girard-Perregaux signature inspired by architectural structures. While these bridges appear futuristic, they continue to uphold the styling of La Esmeralda. The Grade 5 titanium bridges are set against the NAC treated mainplate, revealing the smallest details of the mechanism. Despite the modernity of this model, traditional hand-finishing is much in evidence.
The tourbillon cage is powered by a unidirectional automatic winding system featuring a micro-rotor made of white gold. Comprised of 80 components and weighing a mere 0.25 grams, the low mass of the tourbillon cage consumes only small quantities of energy, augmenting the movement’s available power-reserve. The micro-rotor is intentionally positioned behind the barrel, contributing to the pure, uncluttered appearance of the Quasar Azure’s fully skeletonised movement. Touches of blue luminescent material on the Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands, as well as the blue strap’s stitching, perfectly demonstrate the company’s fastidious attention to detail.
The Quasar Azure is housed in a handblown floating glass sphere, made in Switzerland, just as any Girard-Perregaux timepiece since the Maison’s inception in 1791. It is immediately available by special order, sold exclusively via selected authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers.
About Girard-Perregaux
Founded in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest fine watchmaking manufactures still in operation in Switzerland today. Our history is dotted with exceptional creations that bridge aesthetics and functionality to reveal the value of time. These include the iconic Laureato, born in 1975, as well as our Tourbillon ‘With Three Gold Bridges’ which made the invisible visible, transforming bridges from just a technical element to an integral part of the timepiece – a first in watchmaking. Girard-Perregaux’s place at the vanguard of horological innovation is confirmed by over one hundred recorded patents, and the innumerable prizes and distinctions we have received. We remain one of the rare watchmakers to retain Manufacture status for over two centuries by mastering all the required horological skills in-house. Our timepieces today push the boundaries of watchmaking for modern living.
Girard-Perregaux is part of the Kering Group, a world leader in luxury apparel.
Girard-Perregaux Press Contact:
meera.anand@girard-perregaux.com
+41 79 420 7789
Technical specification
Reference: 99295-43-002-UA2A
Limited edition of 8 pieces
World Price: CHF 274,000
Case
Material: blue sapphire
Diameter: 46.00 mm
Height: 15.25 mm
Glass: sapphire anti-reflective ‘box’
Case-back: sapphire crystal ‘box’
Hands: skeletonized, white gold, ‘Dauphine’ type, with luminescent material
Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Movement
Reference: GP09400-1035
Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 36.00 mm (16’’’)
Height: 9.54 mm
Frequency: 21,600 Vib/h – (3 Hz)
Number of components: 260
Number of jewels: 27
Power reserve: min. 60 hours
Functions: Tourbillon, hours, minutes, small seconds on the tourbillon
Tourbillon
Tourbillon cage composed of 80 components, weighing only 0.250 grams
Strap
Material: anthracite fabric with a metallic effect, anthracite hand-stitching Buckle: triple folding, titanium DLC
The timepiece will be delivered with an
additional blue alligator strap
